EESC president's remarks on Tibet irresponsible: China Mission to EU

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BRUSSELS, March 13 -- The spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the European Union (EU) said on Thursday that President of the European Economic and Social Committee Henri Malosse's recent remarks on Tibet are irresponsible.

The spokesperson said that in total disregard of China's opposition, Malosse has connived with the so-called "Tibetan government in exile," publicly supported its separatist agenda and made irresponsible remarks over China's domestic affairs.

"We strongly oppose his actions and remarks," said spokesperson.

On Monday, Malosse went to Dharamsala, India and attended an event organized by the "Tibetan government in exile" to mark the so-called "55th anniversary of the Tibet uprising."

There, the EU official said that the "Tibet issue" is "a question of liberty, democracy and solidarity, which are the values at the foundation of the European Union and thus support must be brought to the 'Middle Way' approach of Tibetans and to the dialogue with China."

The spokesperson said that Tibet has been an integral part of China since the 13th century and the Tibet-related issue is China's internal affairs.

"On March 10th, 1959, after a failed armed insurgency planned to claim 'Tibet independence', the Dalai Lama fled abroad," said the spokesperson, "The so-called 'Tibetan government in exile' is an illegal organization, not recognized by any single established government in the world."

"No one knows Tibet better than the Chinese people," added the spokesperson," Dramatic changes have taken place in Tibet over the past six decades since its peaceful liberation. It has achieved remarkable economic and social progress, with a much higher living standard, thriving local traditions and culture, and well-protected freedom of religion. People of various ethnic groups there enjoy human rights and freedom under the law. Any unbiased person can easily see the fact."

The spokesperson said that the essence of the Tibet-related issue is not about freedom, democracy or human rights, but of China's sovereignty, a question of unity versus separation of the nation.

"The Dalai Lama's 'Middle Way' is a disguised approach to independence, aiming to create a 'Greater Tibet' covering one fourth of China's territory, which has never existed in history," said the spokesperson, "This is totally unacceptable to the Chinese government and people."

The spokesperson said that the Chinese central government has made it clear that the door for talks with the Dalai Lama remains open, and should the Dalai Lama sincerely wish to see progress of the talks, he must refrain from stepping up the separatist activities.

"We urge Mr. Malosse to correct his wrongdoing, stop supporting Tibetan separatists and interfering in China's domestic affairs," the spokesperson said," He should take immediate measures to neutralize the negative impact and abide by the EU's commitment to recognizing Tibet as an integral part of China and opposing 'Tibet independence' in order to avoid further damage to China-EU relations."